Had time for one more thread today after all. I'll leave off new profiles for a day or two with what sure to be one of the more controversial HW ATG's. I have Wlad squeaking into the top 10 right at number 10. Negatives first, and there's plenty to pick at. Three bad losses to fighters of varying and debatable credibility before he became a dominant champ (but then, he's not too different from Johnson or Dempsey in that regard). Never beat a true ATG (but then, neither did Dempsey, Sullivan, Patterson, or Holmes and Tyson if you don't count shot fighters). Boring to watch. In the opinion of many (including me) not even the best fighter in his own immediate family. But had one of the greatest stretches of domination in HW history. 9.5 consecutive years as a champ. Number 2 in total successful title defenses, #3 in consecutive title defenses, #2 in consecutive time as champ. Has to be in the top 3 as far as percentage of rounds won by a champion (exception Wilder, Joshua, champs with incomplete careers). Tremendous power, size, skill, discipline and technical perfection (to the point of tedium). With his brother, ushered in an era of worldwide comp at HW in a way that had never been seen before. I have him notched in right below his brother for #10 all time.
5 to 10. Vastly underrated resume, he has longevity, 40yo and still good enough to beat the young guns and a h2h nightmare for 99% of Heavyweights.